Fall Guide to the Arts
Curtains! Lights! On with the show! Things are opening.
Theaters & Venues with Music, Dance & Theater Performances
Suburban PA Counties
American Music Theatre
Since 1997, AMT has welcomed Opry legends along with Grammy, CMA, Tony and Oscar winners. They’ve hosted acclaimed original shows, national Broadway tours, and Christmas extravaganzas. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster; AmericanMusicTheatre.com
* Amy Grant, Gladys Night, PA Gospel Music Festival, Martina McBride
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Offering exceptional entertainment, including Broadway-style musical theater and magic shows—one of Lancaster County’s must-see stops for live performances.
2760 Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-in-Hand; Bird-in-Hand.com
* Ryan & Friends, The Christmas Tree Ship
The Colonial Theatre/Point Entertainment
Independent and classic films, concerts and community events. Major performances booked by Point Entertainment. 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; TheColonialTheatre.com. PointEntertainment.com.
* Al Stewart with the Empty Pockets, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The High Kings
Kennett Flash
An all-ages, stage-centered, café-style venue showcasing professional national, regional and local music, comedy, children’s programs and more. 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square; KennettFlash.org
* The Sweet Remains, Proud Monkey– A Tribute to Dave Matthews Band
Keswick Theatre of Performing Arts
A 1,300-seat venue hosting well-known acts with state-of-the-art sound and light. 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; KeswickTheatre.com
* Ted Nugent, Whose Live Anyway?, Tommy Emmanuel
Longwood Gardens Performing Arts
The arts at Longwood are continuing and are as inspiring and beautiful as the Gardens. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square; LongwoodGardens.org
* Live music in the Beer Garden
Neumann University, Meagher Theatre
Modern 300-seat theater hosting lectures, theater, cinema and concerts. 1 Neumann Dr., Aston; Neumann.edu
Sight & Sound Theatres
Faith-based live theater that’s been described as “Christian Broadway.” 300 Hartman Bridge Rd., Strasburg; Sight-Sound.com
* Queen Esther
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Promoting cultural, economic and civic life through music, dance and film. 226 N. High St., West Chester; UptownWestChester.org
* Better Than Bacon: Talking Sticks And BrasilianVibes, Echoes: The American Pink Floyd, Kashmir: Tribute To Led Zeppelin
West Chester University—WCU Live!
Live performances held on campus of music, theater and dance by national traveling groups. Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall and Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, West Chester; WCUPa.edu/oca/WCULive
Delaware
The Grand Wilmington
Presenting more than 75 shows most seasons—from symphony orchestras and ballets to the latest rock and comedy stars, jazz, folk, family artists and more.
818 N. Market St., Wilmington; TheGrandWilmington.org
* Theo Von Live, Postmodern Jukebox, Rock N Doo Wop Dance Party
Theatre N at Nemours
Independent feature films and concerts. 11th & Tatnall Sts. Nemours Bldg., Wilmington TheatreN.org
Philadelphia
The Academy of Music
Opened in 1857, it’s the oldest grand opera house in the country still used for its original purpose. This 2,900-seat venue is both a celebrated historic landmark and a contemporary concert hall. Broad & Locust Sts. AcademyOfMusic.org
* Hamilton, An Evening with David Sedaris, Pretty Woman: The Musical
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Dedicated to the advancement of a diverse and thriving cultural community. Univ. of Pennsylvania campus; 3680 Walnut St. PennPresents.org
The Dell Music Center
This open-air amphitheater has 5,284 reserved seats and lawn seating for 600. Ridge Ave. & W. Huntingdon St. MyDellEast.com
* Check website for performances
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Premier performing arts groups reside at the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music—The Phila. Orchestra, Philly Pops, The Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadanco and more. 300 S. Broad St. KimmelCenter.org
* Check website for performances at The Academy of Music and Forrest Theatre
The Mann Center for Performing Arts
Located in Philadelphia’s beautiful Fairmount Park, the Mann continues its tradition as the greater Philadelphia region’s premiere outdoor cultural arts center.
5201 Parkside Ave. MannCenter.org
* The Disco Biscuits Present City Bisco, Pictures from an Exhibition: An Evening of Classics, Tchaikovsky Spectacular
The Met Philadelphia
This is the former Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House, originally built in 1908 by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein.
858 N. Broad St. TheMetPhilly.com
* Lindsey Stirling, Deftones, Sting, Celtic Woman, Jim Gaffigan
New jersey
BB&T Pavilion
Outdoor amphitheater/indoor theater complex located on the Camden Waterfront. 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden. LiveNation.com
Events & Series
Chester Cty. 91st Old Fiddlers Picnic, TBD
Hundreds gather for music and memories. Hibernia County Park, Wagontown. ChesCo.org/CCParks
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, June, 2022
Wilmington’s tribute to a great man and his legacy is the largest, multi-day, free, outdoor jazz festival on the East Coast. Rodney Square, 1000 N. Market St.
Wilmington. CliffordBrownJazzFest.org
Media Jazz By Night, November
The 15th anniversary of this annual festival that serves up a lively night full of authentic jazz. State St., Media. StateStreetBlues.com
Media State Street Blues Stroll, June, 2022
A summer evening of performances complete with gospel, R&B, blues & country. StateStreetBlues.com
Paoli Blues Fest, Sept. 25
Perfect for blues lovers and anyone who likes to eat, dance, shop and enjoy great music. Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Valley Rd. Paoli. PaoliBluesFest.com
Performance Groups Dance
Suburban PA Counties
Brandywine Ballet
Providing professional training and performance opportunities for dancers and entertaining audiences as the region’s premier ballet organization. Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. 700 S. High St., West Chester; BrandywineBallet.org
Chester County Ballet Company
A professional performance group at Chester County’s oldest training school for dance. 321 S. High St., West Chester. HarrisonDanceStudios.com
Delaware
First State Ballet Theater
Delaware’s professional ballet company presents full-length ballets and mixed-repertory programs. 818 N. Market St., Floor 3R, Wilmington FirstStateBallet.com
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Ballet Association
A premier ballet company, receiving widespread critical acclaim for extraordinary performances of a diverse classical and contemporary repertoire. 1819 JFK Blvd., Ste. 210. PABallet.org
* Check website for performances
Philadelphia Dance Company
Known for its cultural diversity, PHILADANCO works to preserve predominantly African-American traditions through its dances. Philadanco, 9 N. Preston St. PhilaDanCo.org
Music
Suburban PA Counties
Brandywine Singers
A choral ensemble with a wide repertoire of music, partnering with other groups to present concerts. TheBrandywineSingers.org
Chester County Choral Society
Led by a professional director and accompanist and performing diverse choral music. P.O. Box 3466, West Chester. ChesterCountyChoralSociety.org
Chesco Pops Orchestra
Comprised of 65 talented and dedicated musicians from around the County, performing pops, jazz and light-classic repertoire. P.O. Box 2468, West Chester. ChesCoPops.org
* Concert performance of the musical, Chess
Delaware County Symphony
This community orchestra performs at Neumann University. Meagher Theatre Life Center, Concord Rd., Aston. DCSMusic.org
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County
Founded in 1987, the Society presents fully staged productions of the G&S operettas, complete with costumes, sets and full orchestra. P.O. Box 195, West Chester. GSSChesco.org
Immaculata Symphony
From as far back as 1920, this orchestra has grown from a chamber-size group to a large ensemble. 1145 King Rd., Immaculata. ImmaculataSymphony.org
Kennett Symphony
Experience the unique thrill in witnessing the energy and passion of Music Director, Michael Hall, and the professional musicians recreating musical masterpieces.
106 W. State St., Kennett Square. KennettSymphony.org
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Entertaining and educating the south central PA community through live musical performances. 226 N. Arch St., Lancaster. LancasterSymphony.org
Opera Lancaster
Nonprofit group producing operas since 1952. 411 W. King St., Lancaster. OperaLancaster.com
Rose Tree Pops Orchestra
A community orchestra with performances ranging from classical to pops to Big Band. P.O. Box 932, Media. RoseTreePops.org
Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra
Chorus and 35-piece orchestra. Strath Haven Middle School, S. Providence Rd. Wallingford. RVCO.org
Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley (TOSDV)
TOSDV owns, maintains and presents theatre organ concerts and silent movies on a 3/24 Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, in the Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville.
P.O. Box 141, Cheltenham. TOSDV.org
Vox Ama Deus
Musicians are known for historical accuracy, frequently performing on authentic Baroque instruments. P.O. Box 203, Gladwyne. VoxAmadeus.org
Delaware
Brandywine Baroque
Concerts of chamber music on period instruments. Barn at Flintwoods, 205 Center Meeting Rd., Wilmington. BrandywineBaroque.org
Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Performing classical and chamber concerts. P.O. Box 1870, Wilmington. DelawareSymphony.org
Mélomanie
Pairings of early and contemporary works. 200 S. Madison St., Wilmington, Melomanie.org
OperaDelaware
The only professional opera company in the state and the 11th oldest in the country. 4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington. OperaDE.org
Serafin Quartet
The Quartet performs frequently around the US and the world, receiving international prizes and awards. 1014 Sweet Cherry Ct., Wilmington, SerafinQuartet.org
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin joined the small yet illustrious group as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra in over 116 years. One of the preeminent orchestras in the world. 1 S. Broad St. PhilOrch.org
* Bizet and Ravel, Mendelssohn “Italian” Symphony, Yannick Returns
Performance Groups / schools
Angela Bates Dance Academy
Classes in all styles of dance, for all levels and all ages. Special summer programs. 5129 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square; AngelaBatesDanceAcademy.com
Ballet 180 / Studio 180
Performing at McShain Performing Arts Center, Rosemont College. 1708 Lancaster Ave., Floor 2, Paoli; Ballet180.org
Darlington Arts Center
Celebrating over 40 years of creative experiences in music, art, dance and drama for children and adults. 977 Shavertown Rd., Garnet Valley; DarlingtonArts.org
Longwood Performing Arts
Classes from experienced faculty in a variety of dance styles. 633 West Cypress St., Kennett Square. LongwoodPerformingArts.com
West Chester Studio for the Performing Arts
Teachers are experienced professional actors and provide a high-caliber performing arts education to students of all ages and abilities.
Held at: Chester County Historical Society 225 N. High St., West Chester; WestChesterStudio.com
West Chester University Department of Theatre and Dance
Presenting classic, contemporary,and new plays, musicals and dance produced by faculty, students and Philadelphia guest artists. E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, High & Rosedale Sts. West Chester. WCUPa.edu/TheatreDance
Wolf Performing Arts Center
Professionally staged productions, coaching and classes with experienced teaching artists.
1240 Montrose Ave., Bryn Mawr. WolfPerformingArtsCenter.org
Delaware
The Music School of Delaware
Offering standard-setting instructional programs by expert educators for people of all ages and levels. 4101 Washington St., Wilmington. MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org
Theater – Professional
Suburban PA Counties
Bucks County Playhouse
Located on the site of a former grist mill on the banks of the Delaware River. 70 S. Main St., New Hope. BucksCountyPlayhouse.com
* Candace Bushnell—Is There Still Sex in the City?
Fulton Theatre Productions
A National Historic Landmark, considered the nation’s oldest continuously operating theater. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. TheFulton.org
* Fun Home, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Hedgerow Theatre
Featuring classical productions, fun-filled farces and traditional tales for the whole family. 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. HedgerowTheatre.org
* Shakespeare By the Brook: The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Media Theatre
Producing five musicals annually, plus children’s productions, the Media Theatre has been honored with numerous awards for its performances. 104 E. State St., Media. MediaTheatre.org
* Check website for updates
People’s Light
One of Pennsylvania’s largest professional theaters offers year-round programming in two performance spaces, mixing contemporary plays, music theater, classics and world premieres. 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. PeoplesLight.org
* Check website for updates
Theatre Horizon
A professional nonprofit theater company producing dramas and musicals and presenting original works. 401 DeKalb St., Norristown. TheatreHorizon.org
* Check website for updates
Delaware
The Candlelight Theatre
Celebrating 50 years of dining and entertainment, Delaware’s first dinner theater offers musicals, comedies, comedy club, quizzo and varied concerts. 2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington. CandlelightTheatreDelaware.com
* Beehive, Ain’t Misbehavin
Delaware Theatre Company
Experience Broadway-caliber productions at this spacious regional theatre. Located on the Wilmington Riverfront, DTC has free parking and a concessions stand with wine, beer and light snacks. 200 Water St., Wilmington. DelawareTheatre.org
* The Whitney Project—A Celebration of Black Joy, Tony Braithwaite—Me, My Mic, and I
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
Located in the Hotel du Pont, stars of stage and screen have graced the Victorian stage since 1913. 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. ThePlayhouseDE.org
* Check website for updates
Philadelphia
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut St. ShubertEvents.com
Merriam Theater
250 S. Broad St. KimmelCenter.org
* Modern-Day Carmen Fantasy, Bronfman Plays Beethoven
Philadelphia Theatre Company
480 S. Broad St. PhiladelphiaTheatreCompany.org
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St. WalnutStreetTheatre.org
* Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, On Your Feet!
Theater – Community
Suburban PA Counties
Barley Sheaf Players
Housed in the old Oddfellows Hall, offering a five-show season, summer youth programs, Play Festival, holiday production and children’s workshops. 810 N. Whitford Rd., Lionville. BarleySheaf.org
* Les Miserables (School Edition)
Footlighters Theater
Since 1930, this group has continued to entertain Main Line audiences with each production. 58 Main Ave., Berwyn. FootlightersTheater.com
Forge Theatre
Year-round entertainment with six productions. 241 First Ave., Phoenixville. ForgeTheatre.org
* Dearly Departed, Guys and Dolls
The Players Club of Swarthmore
A community-based theater with seven main stage shows, plus smaller “Second Stage” productions. 614 Fairview Ave., Swarthmore. PCSTheater.org
Delaware
The Brandywiners, Ltd.
The Brandywiners perform annually at Longwood Gardens. P.O. Box 248, Montchanin. Brandywiners.org
Delaware Children’s Theatre
Popular theater productions that entertain and educate. 1014 Delaware Ave., Wilmington DEChildrensTheatre.org
Wilmington Drama League
Hosting volunteer-produced performances, plus children’s theater performances. 10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington WilmingtonDramaLeague.org
Outdoor Concerts
Through August 22
Delaware County Summer Festival. Upper Providence. DelcoPa.gov/Departments/Parks/SummerFestival.html
Through September 25
Outdoor Concerts at People’s Light. Malvern. PeoplesLight.org
Through October 30
Longwood Gardens Concerts Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org
July 1, 22, August 13
Music at Marshall Park. West Chester. MarshallSquarePark.org
July 8–29
Summer in the Park Concert Series at Wilson Farm Park. Wayne. Tredyffrin.org/Departments/Parks
July 11
Concerts in the Courtyard. Willows Park Preserve, Villanova. WillowsParkPreserve.org
July 11–October 3
Long’s Park Summer Music Series. Lancaster. LongsPark.org
July 17
Tie-Dye Music Festival at Community Arts Center. Wallingford.CommunityArtsCenter.org
August 6–15
Musikfest. Bethlehem. Musikfest.org
August 7–8
Wilmington’s Riverfront Blues Festival. Wilmington. RiverfrontBluesFestDE.com
August 8, 22
Miller Park Summer Concert Series. Exton. WestWhiteland.org
August 19–22
Philadelphia Folk Festival. Upper Salford Township, PA. PFS.org
August 27–29
Citadel Country Spirit USA. Glenmoore. CountrySpiritUSA.com
August 28
People’s Festival—27th Annual Tribute to Bob Marley. Wilmington. PeoplesFestival.com
September 17–19
XPonential Music Festival. Camden, NJ. On the Waterfront XPN.org
September 19
Turk’s Head Music Festival. West Chester. TurksHeadFestival.com